I 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2871 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 8, 2011 Ms. Speier introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish integrity verification requirements for pipeline facilities, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Pipeline Modernization for Safety Act of 2011.

2.

Integrity verification requirements

Section 60108 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (e)

Integrity verification requirements

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall establish integrity verification requirements for pipeline facilities. (2)

Required actions for pipeline segments without documented pressure tests

(A)

In general

As part of the integrity verification requirements, the Secretary shall require an operator of a pipeline facility that contains a pipeline segment without a documented pressure test to— (i)hydro-test the pipeline segment; or (ii)replace the pipeline segment. (B)

Additional actions

In addition to the actions described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary may require an operator described in subparagraph (A) to undertake other actions determined necessary by the Secretary for public safety, including temporary reductions in pressure. (3)

Reporting of increases in pressure exceeding MAOP

(A)

In general

As part of the integrity verification requirements, the Secretary shall require an operator of a pipeline facility that contains a pipeline segment without a documented pressure test to submit a written report to the Secretary (or the Secretary’s designee) on any increase in pressure in the pipeline segment that exceeds the maximum allowable operating pressure for the pipeline segment. (B)

Deadline

An operator shall report an increase in pressure under subparagraph (A) not later than 24 hours after the operator discovers the increase in pressure. (C)

Information to be reported

A report on an increase in pressure under subparagraph (A) shall contain, at a minimum, information on— (i)the cause of the increase; and (ii)any remedial action taken to address the cause of the increase. (4)

Regulations

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall issue final regulations to carry out this subsection. Such regulations shall prioritize pipeline facilities in high consequence areas (as described in section 60109(a) of title 49, United States Code) for purposes of implementation of the requirements of this subsection. .